The region of Burgundy is located just southwest of Paris,
easily accessible from the capital thanks to the high-speed TGV
train, excellent highways, and a network of rivers and canals.
The Saône River, the Canal de Bourgogne, and numerous other
waterways provide a leisurely means for a traveling vacation.
From behind the wheel of a rented boat you can glide along
tree-lined canals, hardly faster than a brisk walk. Luxurious
hotel-barges are also available which offer exquisite service,
haute cuisine, and the best wines from Burgundy's vineyards.
Regional cuisine includes the famous boeuf bourguignon,
coq au vin, and garlicky snails. And don't forget that Dijon is
synonymous with mustard!
Famous for its fine wines, Bourgogne is home to "the best
wines in Christendom," including Chamberlain, Pommard,
Meursault, Chablis, Pouilly-Fuissé, and a long list of other
well-known names. In the medieval city of Beaune an annual
three-day wine auction draws vinophiles from around the world.
Called Les Trois Glorieuses, it is held in the Hospices
de Beaune, a 15th-century charity hospital.
History buffs will thrill to the medieval city of Vézelay. The
Ste-Madeleine Basilica was finished in 878. Three centuries
later St. Bernard preached the Second Crusade from its pulpit,
and in 1190 Richard the Lionheart, king of England, and
Philippe-Auguste, king of France, met here to launch the Third
Crusade.
In the center of Dijon is the Palais des Ducs, which today
houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Sometimes called "Le Petit
Louvre" because of its extraordinary collections, it houses
works ranging from medieval to renaissance to impressionist.
For a view of Burgundy usually reserved for the birds, hop a
ride with one of several hot-air balloon companies; you'll
receive a fairy-tale view of this magical land.
Regional Portrait
Regional tourism board
Department tourism board
